CCLXXXII (F XIV, 5)
TO TERENTIA (AT ROME)
ATHENS, 16 OCTOBER
If you and my darling Tullia are well, I and
my dearest boy Cicero are so too. On the 14th of
October I arrived at Athens, after experiencing
unfavourable winds and a slow and unpleasant
voyage. As I was disembarking, Acastus met me with
letters, the 21st day since his start, which is
very active travelling. I received one from you,
in which you tell me that you fear your previous
letters did not reach me. I got them all: you have
shewn the greatest energy in writing me full
accounts of everything, and I am exceedingly
obliged to you. I was not surprised that the
letter brought by Acastus was short: for you are
expecting me, or rather us, immediately in person:
and we are anxious to reach you at the earliest
possible time, though I am fully aware to what a
state of public affairs I am coming: for the
letters brought me by Acastus from many of my
friends have shewn me that things look warlike, so
that when I do arrive I shall not be able to cloak
my sentiments. But since there is no
shirking fate, I shall make the more haste, that I
may consider the whole crisis with greater ease.
Pray, as well as your health will permit, come as
far as you can to meet me. As to the inheritance
from Precius—I am deeply grieved at it,
for I loved the man—I wish you to see to
this: if the auction takes place before my
arrival, let Pomponius, or, if he can't, Camillus
act for us. As soon as I am safe at home I will
look after the rest of the business myself. But if
you have already started from Rome, still see that
this arrangement is made. Dearest, sweetest
Terentia, as you love me, take care, all of you,
of your health. Good-bye.
ATHENS, 16 OCTOBER
